These photos may be your last chance to glimpse sharks, dolphins and turtles in their natural habitat as so many of these magnificent marine animals are under threat.
Pictures showing bloodied jaws of sharks, snapping turtles or looming manta rays distort public perception and make it easier for them to be slaughtered for their skin, meat and bones.
However these serene and majestic pictures of underwater wildlife, commissioned by marine conservation charity Bite Back, celebrate the power and beauty of the oceans while drawing attention to urgent conservation issues.
This tiger shark picture avoids sensationalism but captures the beauty of the creature
Co-presenter of Last Chance to See with Stephen Fry and calendar contributor, Mark Carwardine, said: “For far too long the public’s perception of sharks has been shaped entirely by Hollywood films and sensational newspaper headlines. I want my images to challenge the common-held myths about sharks and, instead, communicate the serenity and majesty of these creatures so that a conservation message can resonate with the audience.”
According to Bite-Back, the images in the calendar are a perfect illustration of what we could lose if over-fishing is allowed to continue.
The 2013 Bite-Back calendar costs £7.99 and is available at www.bite-back.com.